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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2026, AS NATIONAL DIAPER NEED AWARENESS WEEK IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, diaper need, the condition of not being able to afford a sufficient supply of clean diapers to keep babies and toddlers clean, dry, and healthy, can adversely affect the health and well-being of children and their families; and
WHEREAS, national surveys and research studies report that nearly one in two families experiences diaper need, and 48 percent of families delay changing a diaper in order to extend their available supply; and
WHEREAS, an adequate daily or weekly supply of diapers is generally required for babies and toddlers to participate in child care and quality early education programs that help children thrive and enable parents to work; and
WHEREAS, many parents experiencing diaper need report missing an average of five days of work each month due to an insufficient supply of diapers; and
WHEREAS, without enough diapers, babies and toddlers face an increased risk of infections and other health issues that may require medical attention and result in additional medical costs, while parents may be unable to access the childcare needed to attend work or school, undermining their family's economic stability and well-being; and
WHEREAS, the people of Cook County recognize that diaper need is a public health issue, and that addressing diaper need promotes healthier children, stronger families, and greater economic opportunity, helping ensure all children and families have access to the basic necessities they need to survive and thrive; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is proud to be home to trusted community organizations, including Share Our Spare, that recognize the essential role diapers play in supporting children's health and family economic stability by distributing diapers to families through a variety of community partnerships and programs; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, Share Our Spare distributed more than 2.25 million diapers to 14,223 children through 82 community-based partner organizations across the Chicagoland area, along with more than 302,000 essential supplies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting families; and
WHEREAS, through their essential work addressing diaper needs, diaper banks play a critical role in supporting families, improving infant health and well-being, and strengthening our local and state economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim the week of September 14 through September 20, 2026, as National Diaper Need Awareness Week; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Share Our Spare in recognition of its ongoing commitment to addressing diaper needs and its dedicated service to children and families throughout Cook County.
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